What is Cupping?

Cupping therapy uses negative pressure from suction by a vacuumized cup or jar on the skin surface to remove stagnated bodily wastes from the skin to expedite systemic or local circulation.

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The fundamental principles of the therapeutic effect of cupping is to relax the sinews and activate collaterals of the body part. Cupping removes stagnated bodily wastes from the skin to expedite circulation, diffuse and communicate qi-blood by congestion from negative areas, and is useful for various paralytic syndromes and muscular diseases. In addition, internal injuries, stomach disorders, hypertension, the common cold, stasis, blood stasis, pain in the limbs and back, headache, coughing, early sores and ulcers may also be treated by cupping.

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Cupping treatment uses sterilized cup to prevent infection and ordinarily takes about 5 to 15 minutes. Tenderness due to pressure during the procedure, or pigmentation, purpura or blistering may normally occur. Resting for 2-3 days is important for patients who are very fatigued following the treatment. The treatment is not recommended for those with coagulopathy, heart disease or systemic edema.

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If you have any questions about cupping, please feel free to ask Dr. Jo during your visit.